The Paladin in the Abyss

"Unfortunately, regarding this matter, we internally cannot reach an agreement," Iltash glanced at the bald Poping Jay, who was clearly the one opposing Elothysia's inclusion as a Protector, "but you can make any reasonable request."

"My only wish is to fight for virtue," Elothysia stated firmly.

As soon as the Succubus Paladin spoke, the crowd stirred. At the far left of the high platform, an Elf shook his head, while on the far right, a bald human displayed an expression of disbelief. The bronze-skinned Aira Giant looked towards a female Elf to his left, who wore a smile that suggested 'as expected'.

"Even if you might have to sacrifice your own life?" the towering Radiant Cloud Angel spoke again, his expression as solemn as a notary witnessing a will.

"Since the day I became a Holy Warrior, I was prepared to give my life for this cause."

No sooner had the words of the Succubus Paladin fallen than Lancelot suddenly felt a strange fluctuation in the surrounding space, and then saw a divine light appear out of nowhere in mid-air, enveloping Elothysia. In his spirit perception, the aura of the Succubus also transformed, her strength clearly having advanced considerably. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

Centered upon Elothysia, a wave of golden light suddenly burst forth, the divine energy sweeping over everyone present. Lancelot felt as if even the smallest fears in his heart were wiped away, as though nothing could cause him fear as long as this Holy Warrior was present.

"The Vow Echoes! It is the Vow Echoing!"

"By the gods, this demon has received the recognition of the source of virtue!"

"She really is a Holy Warrior!"

The crowd was in uproar, while Lancelot was somewhat confused. Fortunately, he had someone to ask, the Elf next to him was also a cleric, just like Elothysia.

"What's happening?" Lancelot gently nudged the Elf Priest, who was currently staring blankly, "How did Elothysia suddenly… become stronger?"

"Her conviction resonated with the source of goodness in the Multiverse," Alamir answered devoutly. Seeing Lancelot still looking very confused, he continued to explain, "You remember what I once mentioned about the source of our clergy's power, right?"

"Yes, by executing the will of the gods, gaining their recognition, and acquiring powers bestowed by the gods," Lancelot remembered the incident when the Elf achieved Fourth Circle Divine Arts after a bath, "So what's up with Elothysia? She hasn't received acceptance of any benevolent deity, has she?"

"The case for Holy Warriors is different from us clergy; although many Holy Warriors choose to devote themselves to a deity, their power sources are the vows they take," Alamir pointed at the Succubus in the arena, the divine golden light gradually retracting into her body, "When a Holy Warrior's thoughts, actions, and the vows they take are consistent, they can gain the power reflected by their vows. The vow Elothysia took was one of dedication, corresponding to the force of goodness in the Multiverse, and that scene just now was the Vow Echoing, granting her stronger power."

Lancelot listened, stunned. Was it really possible to gain power just by making a vow? The situation was similar for clergy; as long as one was sufficiently devoted, miraculous divine arts could be obtained. By comparison, whether it was his previous path as a warrior or his current pursuit of spiritual cultivation, improvement always required day after day of hard practice, with no shortcuts available.

However, upon reflection, the powers of clerics and Holy Warriors were 'bestowed by others', and one could easily lose those powers if their behavior deviated. From the perspective of spiritual cultivation, this was following another's 'Tao', and how far one could go ultimately wasn't up to oneself.

"But why now?" Lancelot raised another question, "Could it be that reaffirming a vow publicly has a better effect?"

"Indeed, there are numerous Holy Warriors in this hall, and no one is better suited to witness a vow," the Elf nodded, "Generally speaking, a Vow Echoing only happens after one has acted on their vow. But with so many Holy Warriors witnessing, reaffirming one's vow could also possibly trigger a Vow Echoing, provided that the one taking the vow has the genuine determination to fulfil it. This should suffice to satisfy those who doubted Elothysia, right?"

Many onlookers shifted their gaze away from the Succubus Paladin, turning instead to look at the bald human Knight on the high platform. His face went from red to white, his eyes darting around the crowd as if seeking support.

"We all 'saw' your resolve," Iltash's booming voice rose again, looking to his right, "Captain Jay, do you still hold on to your previous view?"

The bald human Knight showed a look of hesitation, and just when Lancelot thought he was about to give up, the woman on the high platform, who was all in fiery red and had not spoken before, suddenly spoke:

"I think we should follow the outcome we discussed earlier."

"Yes! That's right!" buoyed by the support, the human Knight immediately appeared spirited again, "To become a member of the Protectors, one must show actual action!"

"Well then, since two Protector Generals still hold this view…" the Radiant Cloud Angel showed a reluctant expression, not seeming to like what he had to say next, "we have a mission. If you can complete it, then no one will ever doubt your worthiness again."

"Tell me what I need to do," the Succubus Paladin spoke without hesitation, "I will do my utmost to complete it."

"It has been a long time since the last great battle, and Androlina has been relatively peaceful these years, but in recent times, the Demon Legion of Cang Ye has displayed many troubling signs. According to the Scouts' reports, the fences which used to be empty are now filled with Prime Demons and Coward Devils, and the guard around Gaomendikolia's fortress has doubled, with lights burning all night long..."

Iltash's deep voice echoed in the great hall, everyone's expression turning extremely serious. Lancelot guessed that many among the onlookers already knew this intelligence, but it was probably the first time the Generals were discussing it openly.

"...All signs suggest that the Mother of Demons may be planning a new attack, and time is already running short," the Radiant Cloud Angel paused, his gaze sweeping over the hall, pleased to see that no one's face showed the slightest hint of fear.